In the world of sports, where competition is fierce and branding is king, few figures can transcend generations and unify elite athletes under one banner. According to Carmelo Anthony, that figure is and has always been: Michael Jordan.
Speaking on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Carmelo reflected on a recent private Jordan Brand gathering, where some of the most recognizable names in sports assembled in one location.
“We really was just talking about how we was able to galvanize all the Jordan Brand athletes in one location. MJ still having that connectivity to the younger generation to see him being the only brand who can bring all his athletes together in one location.”
“No other brand that’s out there, no other shoe brand, can actually do that — that’s led by one individual. So that’s really what the conversation was. Honestly, he’s looking at me like, ‘Damn, I didn’t think you were coming over here, champ.'”
“And again, we don’t know a lot of the athletes. To bring everybody under one roof and have conversations, and to build new create new relationships and friendships, it was a special moment for that.”
The exclusive event, hosted by Michael Jordan himself, brought together current stars like Luka Doncic, Bam Adebayo, Rui Hachimura, NFL star Cam Jordan, and former icons like Carmelo. It wasn’t just a meeting of athletes, it was a moment of collective reverence for the man whose legacy continues to shape the entire sports world.
ANGAS FACE, ON!
Filipino basketball star Kiefer Ravena is living a dream as he represents the Philippines and stood tall with iconic athletes for the “Board of Greatness” event by Jordan Brand in Athens, Greece.
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— GMA Network (@gmanetwork) July 15, 2025
And that’s the difference. While other athletic brands rely on corporate backing and market trends, Jordan Brand is a culture, and Michael Jordan remains its pulse. Carmelo described Jordan’s shock when he saw Melo walk into the room, a nod to how rare and special this moment was, even for someone of MJ’s stature.
More than a marketing opportunity or photoshoot, the gathering was about something deeper: legacy, mentorship, and unity.
In a modern sports world often dominated by individualism and constant brand-switching, Jordan Brand remains the exception, a family tied not just by contracts, but by reverence for arguably the greatest player of all time. The loyalty Jordan commands is rooted in more than basketball. It’s about influence, inspiration, and identity.
Young stars like Luka Doncic don’t just wear the Jumpman, they represent the continuation of MJ’s ethos: greatness through discipline, swagger, and legacy.
Jordan’s ability to draw together such a wide range of athletes across sports and generations is unprecedented. It’s not about money or status, it’s about presence.
The sheer fact that Michael Jordan, even in retirement, can host a private gathering and pull in elite talent from across the NBA and NFL without fanfare or pressure speaks volumes.
And yet, the money speaks, too. Michael Jordan’s net worth is now over $3.5 billion, making him the richest athlete in history.
He makes nearly $250 million a year from Jordan Brand royalties alone, a figure that eclipses his entire NBA career earnings. While Jordan hasn’t laced up on an NBA floor in decades, his name, logo, and legacy continue to dominate, both on the court and in the business world.
As Carmelo Anthony said, no other brand, no other individual, can do what Jordan does. In the eyes of athletes across every sport, Michael Jordan isn’t just a legend. He’s the only icon that still unites them all under one roof.
